Video Story
Watch VideoGreen business thrives in slow economy
Story By: Greg Boyce
Source: NBC
A flailing economy scarred by record foreclosures has left the housing industry struggling to survive.
Still, one group has managed to thrive. Those selling "green" continue to see green.
"We find that we are actually increasing our business," said business owner Mary Ann Bowie. "We're busier than we have been." Bowie's Sarasota, Florida shop offers everything from germ-fighting carpet to gas-free organic mattresses. She represents a growing group of businesses harnessing a new dollar, the one consumers want to spend to make a difference.
Customer Alissa Rottingen came in for a filter to strip chlorine from her children's bath water. "I pretty much think about becoming more green on a daily basis," Rottingen said. Her only problem: Green can sometimes prove pricey.
Fortunately, Mary Ann Bowie's store matches prices on "non-green" items.
Bowie hopes increased demand improves both the supply and the price of green product, but she warns customers should read labels. "Organic" and "natural" do not always deliver the same thing.
